Genesis

Genesis

Genesis’ family fled Venezuela and came to the United Stated in search of a better life. Genesis was 14 when her parents picked themselves up along with her younger sister and moved to the U.S. Genesis stayed behind but eventually joined her family at the age of 16. Her family moved to the Tierra Vida community in 2016.

Genesis’ family fled Venezuela and came to the United Stated in search of a better life. Genesis was 14 when her parents picked themselves up along with her younger sister and moved to the U.S. Genesis stayed behind but eventually joined her family at the age of 16. Her family moved to the Tierra Vida community in 2016.

“When I first moved to the U.S., a little over two years ago, I was very sad because everything was different here; the culture the people, and the language. It was all new to me. I was missing the home I grew up in, my friends.

I started coming to The Collegium every day after school because this place made me feel like home somehow. Every time I would come to the Café the people that work here make me feel loved and like I am a part of their family. If I needed help with homework there was always someone to help with that. I graduated high school in June 2017 and while I’m exploring college options I’m working in the Café part-time, learning new job skills as well as making friends.”

***UPDATE***

Today Genesis has completed the Work Readiness program, and just a few days ago found out she has been approved for financial aid. She will be attending the local community college in the fall of 2018. Genesis is now working full time at a local retirement home, helping take care of the elderly. She shared with us that she feels as though the work she is doing today is helping her prepare to be able to take care of her mom someday, when her mom gets to be that age.